MacBook Proshttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/4723/all
enWednesday Recap: 2012 MacBook Update, Evernote Goes Retina, iPad Prototypehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/wednesday_recap_2012_macbook_update_evernote_goes_retina_ipad_prototype
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/early_ipad_prototype_200px.png" alt="Early iPad prototype" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />If you're still sitting there trying to figure out if you should move your AT&amp;T family plan to one of the company's Mobile Shared packages next month, now might be a good time to take a break and let your eyes feast upon something else -- you know, like all the juicy tech news making headlines for this mid-week hump day. And hey, look at that -- we happen to have some for you right now on this Wednesday, July 18, 2012.</p><h3>Apple Releases Update for 2012 MacBook Pro, Air Models</h3><p>If you have a swanky new Ivy Bridge-powered MacBook Pro or MacBook Air released last month, you'll want to head to Software Update -- Apple has a little update for you. The aptly named <a href="http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1556?viewlocale=en_US&amp;locale=en_US" target="_blank">"MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Update 1.0"</a> is a 76.64MB bundle of joy "recommended for all Mac notebooks introduced since June 2012." So what does it do? "This update fixes an issue that can lead to increased CPU power consumption, and it improves compatibility with some USB devices," Apple briefly explains on its website. Curiously, the downloadable version of the update requires OS X 10.7.4 -- it won't install on a beta of OS X Mountain Lion, although that could change once the final build hits the Mac App Store in the next 13 days.</p><h3>Evernote for Mac Adds Retina Support, Activity Stream</h3><p>The Retina Mac invasion continues today as <a href="http://blog.evernote.com/2012/07/18/evernote-for-mac-now-with-activity-stream-and-retina-support/" target="_blank">Evernote announces version 3.2 of its Mac software</a>, which upgrades "every button, texture, shadow, and image inside of Evernote for Mac to look sharp and beautiful on the new drool-worthy MacBook Retina displays." If you don't have a new MacBook Pro with Retina Display, fear not: The update also introduces Activity Stream, a way for friends and colleagues to keep in touch with their shared notes and notebooks, complete with notifications that pop up for new activity. About the only downside to this version is that Apple has yet to approve it for the Mac App Store, but eager Evernoters can <a href="http://evernote.com/evernote/index.php?file=EvernoteMac" target="_blank">grab it straight from the website</a> if they simply can't wait.</p><h3>Take a Peek at the Earliest Known iPad Prototype</h3><p><a href="http://www.networkworld.com/community/blog/earliest-known-photos-apple-ipad-prototype" target="_blank">Network World has scored some pretty amazing images</a> of what's believed to be the earliest known prototype of the iPad, circa 2002 or so -- a full five years before Steve Jobs took the original iPhone out of his pocket at Macworld Expo (and almost eight years before the first iPad was revealed). Referred to as "the 035 mockup," the images came from an unlikely source: A deposition of Apple designer Jonathan Ive as part of the company's court filings against Samsung from December, 2011. In the deposition, Ive recalls first seeing the iPad prototype "between 2002 and 2004," where he states "I remember seeing this and perhaps models similar to this when we were first exploring tablet designs that ultimately became the iPad." <a href="http://www.networkworld.com/community/blog/earliest-known-photos-apple-ipad-prototype?page=0%2C1" target="_blank">Skip to the second page of the post and you'll see the design in all its splendor</a>, which pretty much looks like "an oversized version of an old school iPod," as the website notes.</p><h3>U.K. Judge Forcing Apple to Publish Notice That Samsung Didn't Copy Its iPad</h3><p>Now ain't this a kick in the pants: Not only did Apple get handed their rear end this week by a U.K. judge who felt the Motorola Xoom bore no resemblance to the iPad, but now Cupertino has to publicly say its rival didn't copy the iconic tablet. <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-18/apple-must-publish-notice-samsung-didn-t-copy-ipad-judge-says.html" target="_blank">According to Bloomberg</a>, Apple must "publish a notice on its U.K. website and in British newspapers alerting people to a ruling that Samsung Electronics Co. didn't copy designs for the iPad" as part of a July 9 decision. About the only good thing to come out of this is that Judge Colin Birss declined to grant Samsung's own bid "for an injunction blocking Apple from making public statements that the Galaxy infringed its design rights." But this is by no means close to over, folks...</p><h3>Blah Blah Blah, iPhone 5 Engineering Verification Tests</h3><p><a href="http://www.bgr.com/2012/07/18/iphone-5-release-4g-lte/" target="_blank">BGR is reporting</a> that the iPhone 5 (or whatever it's going to be called) has entered the third phase of Apple's engineering verification tests, better known to the company as EVT3. Despite rumors that the handset could be introduced in early August (hint: it won't be), it appears the device still has to go through a design verification test (that would be DVT) period, so… look for this one come fall, folks. However, "a trusted source" tells the website that the test units currently being worked on include 1GB of RAM and indeed come stocked with both 4G LTE data speeds and near-field communication (NFC) chips. That would be totally awesome if we hadn't heard all of it a hundred times before...<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a><br /><br />(Image courtesy of NetworkWorld.com)</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/wednesday_recap_2012_macbook_update_evernote_goes_retina_ipad_prototype#commentsNewsApple vs. Samsungdaily recapEvernoteiPhone 5 rumorsJonathan IveMacBook Prosretina displaySoftware UpdatesiPadiPhoneMacWed, 18 Jul 2012 21:56:25 +0000J.R. Bookwalter14590 at http://www.maclife.comWednesday Recap: High-Res MacBook Pros, Netflix Update, Time Person of the Yearhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/wednesday_recap_highres_macbook_pros_netflix_update_time_person_year
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/netflix_ipad_app_v2_200px.png" alt="Netflix iPad app" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />It’s only the middle of December, but the presents are already coming for Apple fans, including today’s update to the Netflix iOS app, a new Pogoplug hardware device and a juicy rumor about new MacBook Pros with a type of “Retina Display” for early 2012. But that’s just scratching the surface of today’s news items, so read on and get all the details for this Wednesday, December 14, 2011.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Rumor: New MacBook Pro with High-Resolution Display Incoming?</h3><p>If you’re in the market for a new MacBook Pro, the rumor mill says you may have some interesting choices early next year. <a href="http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20111214PD204.html" target="_blank">According to DigiTimes</a>, Apple is “likely to launch” a new line of MacBook Pros “with a display resolution of 2880 by 1800” sometime in the second quarter of 2012. Considering that current MacBook Pros top out around 1680x1050, that would essentially bring a Retina Display-style boost to the laptop, eclipsing competitors such as Acer and Asustek who are planning “high-end Ultrabook models with a display resolution of 1920 by 1080” by the middle of next year. Retina display Mac portables? Drool...</p><h3>Original Apple Contract Fetches $1.6 Million at Auction</h3><p>You’ll recall our recent news item about co-founder Ronald Wayne’s original signed contract from the founding of Apple Computer back on April 1, 1976 was headed to the Sotheby’s auction block, and that item has now been sold to the highest bidder. <a href="http://9to5mac.com/2011/12/13/apples-founding-contract-sells-for-1-35-million-at-sothebys-auction/" target="_blank">9to5Mac is reporting</a> that the document, originally expected to sell for upwards of $150,000, actually fetched a whopping $1,594,500 -- which amounts to about $1.3 million after deducting a “buyers tax.” The winning bidder is Eduardo Cisneros, the CEO of Cisneros Corp., whose family is listed as the second wealthiest in South America. No word on what Cisneros plans to do with the documents, which includes the original signatures of co-founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak as well.</p><h3>Netflix Updates iOS App with New iPad UI, Latin America Availability</h3><p>Beleaguered streaming giant <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fnetflix%252Fid363590051%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;Netflix" target="_blank">Netflix</a> is making up for some bad mojo in recent months with version 2.0 of their iOS app. The service is now available to customers in Latin America and also introduces a sleek new user interface for all regions on iPads running iOS 5 or later. While it may not make up for the price hike or having your DVD account jerked around like a ragdoll (Quickster… seriously?), if you happen to love Netflix viewing on your iPad, it’s a start.</p><h3>Time Snubs Steve Jobs as Person of the Year</h3><p><a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/12/14/steve_jobs_loses_to_the_protester_as_times_2011_person_of_the_year.html" target="_blank">AppleInsider is reporting</a> that <em>Time</em> magazine has announced their annual “Person of the Year,” and sadly Apple co-founder Steve Jobs did not make the cut yet again. While the former CEO was recognized in a special “Fond Farewell” written by Pixar chief creative officer John Lasseter, the “Person of the Year” went to an unlikely choice: “The Protester,” which symbolizes those who participated in the demonstrations across the Middle East, Europe and even here in the United States with the “Occupy” movement. While we’re down with the goodwill of the people uprising against their oppressive governments in the Middle East, we can’t help but feel that Jobs was cheated again, even in death. On the plus side, the issue also touts new Apple CEO Tim Cook as among “People Who Mattered” for 2011 for his ability to stand in for an otherwise “irreplaceable” co-founder.</p><h3>Pogoplug Introduces New Series 4 Cloud Storage Device</h3><p>It’s been a busy year for the gang at Pogoplug, who seems to be introducing new product offerings every month now that the cloud storage phenomenon they helped give birth to is really taking off at last. Today, <a href="http://blog.pogoplug.com/announcing-pogoplug-series-4-our-newest-cloud-storage-expansion-device-1573/" target="_blank">the company announced the debut of Pogoplug Series 4</a>, a new hardware solution equipped with two USB 3.0 ports, a single SD card slot and USB 2.0 port and plug and play SATA connectivity for Seagate GoFlex ultra-portable drives and other storage products that have adopted the new Universal Storage Module (USM) standard. Pogoplug Series 4 retails for $99.95 and the company is currently soliciting existing users with a 50 percent off deal via email as well.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/wednesday_recap_highres_macbook_pros_netflix_update_time_person_year#commentsNewsApp Storeauctiondaily recapDigiTimesiPadMacBook ProsnetflixPogoplugRonald WayneSteve JobsiPadMacWed, 14 Dec 2011 23:08:45 +0000J.R. Bookwalter12935 at http://www.maclife.com15-inch 2.2GHz Core i7 MacBook Pro Reviewhttp://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/15inch_22ghz_core_i7_macbook_pro_review
<!--paging_filter--><h3>More bang, same bucks</h3><p>Apple launched its latest iteration of the MacBook Pro rather quietly, with no media event or even a press release. Instead, they quietly bumped up the specs in their flagship laptops. If you’ve recently bought a MacBook Pro, you’re not missing much. But if you’ve been mulling over a purchase, now might be the time. The improvements are modest, to be sure, but Apple has also brought back an option that we’ve been chomping at the bit to have for quite some time.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2012/02/reviews/macbookpro_2239-2.jpg" width="305" height="480" /></p><p>The outward appearance of the MacBook Pro remains unchanged. The unibody is still there, along with Apple’s now-standard compliment of ports: USB 2.0, FireWire, an SD card slot, and of course, Thunderbolt. Unfortunately, Apple may be on their second generation of Thunderbolt-equipped laptops, but Thunderbolt devices are still slowly trickling onto the market. There aren’t many consumer-level devices that take advantage of the new port, although several manufacturers have hinted at new products that could be arriving by the time you read this. <br /><br />On the inside, this refreshed MacBook is quite similar to the model it replaced, except for a slight processor bump to 2.2GHz, and an upgrade to the Radeon 6750 HD graphics card. With the modest upgrade, our benchmark results were mostly in line with those of the previous MacBooks. The 2.2GHz model posted a Geekbench score of 10,269, compared to averages of 9,531 for the previous model. The new graphics card got a workout in our Call of Duty tests, hitting 82.7 frames per second. Overall, the performance was what we expected.<br /><br />One very welcome surprise, however, is the return of the matte screen option. For designers, photographers, and, well, anyone who works under bright office lights, Apple’s insistence on glossy screens can be frustrating at times. Thankfully, they’re offering a high-resolution anti-glare 1680x1050 display option for $150 on the 15-inch models. You can also opt for a hi-res glossy screen for $100 extra. The 17-inch model can optionally be fitted with an anti-glare screen for 50 bucks, although the smallest MacBook Pros are still left to endure the harsh, glare-filled realities of your desk.<br /><br /><strong>The bottom line. </strong>Modest updates make small improvements on an already-great machine, but the optional anti-glare screen is something many Mac users have been clamoring for.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-the-bottom-line"><legend>Review Synopsis</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-product">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Product:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>15-inch 2.2GHz Core i7 MacBook Pro</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-company">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Company:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Apple </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-contact">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Contact:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://apple.com" target="_blank">apple.com</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-price">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
$1799 </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-requirements">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><strong>Specs:</strong> 2.2GHz Core 2 i7 processor, 4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM, 6MB shared L3 cache, 750GB SATA hard drive, AMD Radeon HD 6770M graphics processor with 1GB of GDDR5 memory, 1440x900 glossy 15-inch LED-backlit widescreen display, 2 USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800, Thunderbolt port, SD card slot, HD FaceTime camera, 802.11n AirPort Extreme, Gigabit Ethernet, headphone minijack with support for Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic, stereo speakers with subwoofer, omnidirectional microphone, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR</p><p>&nbsp;</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-positives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Positives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Speedier processor. Improved graphics performance. Optional high-res glossy or matte screen.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-negatives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Negatives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>We’re still waiting for Thunderbolt to pay off.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
</fieldset>
http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/15inch_22ghz_core_i7_macbook_pro_review#commentsReviews15-inchApplecore i7Hardwarei7MacBookmacbook proMacBook ProsNotebookMacWed, 14 Dec 2011 16:49:00 +0000Ray Aguilera12927 at http://www.maclife.comHow to Quickly Upgrade Your MacBook Pro Without Buying a New Onehttp://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_quickly_upgrade_your_macbook_pro_without_buying_new_one
<!--paging_filter--><p>You know the symptoms: applications don’t open as fast as they used to, and you always seem to be running out of space on your hard drive. It’s painful to admit, but your MacBook Pro that was so shiny a year ago may finally be showing its age. But you don’t have to put your faithful companion out to pasture––or make another $2,000 trip to the Apple Store––just yet. Save those pennies while you work (and play) more productively by upgrading your MacBook Pro yourself.<br /><br />It’s easier to do than you might think, due in part to the fact that we MacBook Pro owners don’t have nearly as many options as our pals with Mac Pros. In fact, our upgrade paths boil down to adding RAM and swapping out the current hard drive. Yet these upgrades can deliver serious performance gains, and thanks to Cupertino’s design sense, they’re relatively painless, too. Still, as with any major alteration to your Mac, don’t forget to back up your data before you get started.</p><h3>Add More RAM</h3><p>More RAM lets your Mac handle memory-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, and running multiple applications simultaneously. Adding as much RAM as possible helps keep your Mac ready for these tasks for years to come, but you don’t necessarily need to install as much as your machine will hold. Even an extra gigabyte or two over your current configuration may be enough to make a difference in day-to-day use.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/Online/ram-pic.jpg" width="620" height="367" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>More RAM means a mightier, multi-tasking Mac.</strong></p><p>For step-by-step instructions about finding out how much RAM you have, where to buy it, and how to open up your MacBook Pro and finally do the deed, <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_swap_out_ram_unibody_macbook_pro#slide-10" target="_blank">check out our handy how-to</a>.</p><h3>Install a New Hard Drive</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/Online/hdd-pic.jpg" width="400" height="400" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>A higher-capacity HDD can breathe new life into your not-quite-old MacBook Pro.</strong></p><p>A bigger hard disk drive (or HDD) means more room for songs, movies, apps, and documents. When shopping for a new HDD, remember that MacBook Pros use 2.5-inch SATA drives that run at 5400 or 7200 RPM. These speeds determine how quickly data can be read from, and written to, the drive (the more revolutions per minute, the faster your drive). The vendors mentioned in our RAM installation guide also make great sources for hard drives, and the documentation that came with your computer has information about how to install them. If your manual is someplace at the bottom of a drawer like ours, <a href="http://support.apple.com/manuals/#macbookpro" target="_blank">here’s a link to Apple’s manuals</a> for the entire MacBook Pro line.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/Online/ssd-pic.jpg" width="348" height="480" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SSD drives cost more than conventional drives, but their speed benefits can be worth it.</strong></p><p>But if you have a need for speed as well as storage, consider installing a solid-state drive (or SSD) instead. These drives use flash memory that has no moving parts, just like a MacBook Air, so data can be read from them even faster––even up to twice as fast as a conventional drive. If that sounds like a good deal, we don’t blame you. In fact, <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_install_ssd_unibody_macbook_pro" target="_blank">we’ve put together a how-to</a> that will help you choose an SSD and install it while preserving your current data.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_quickly_upgrade_your_macbook_pro_without_buying_new_one#commentshddhddsMacBookmacbook proMacBook ProsRAMSSDssdsMacHow-TosWed, 02 Nov 2011 12:02:54 +0000Adam Berenstain12745 at http://www.maclife.comApple Quietly Bumps MacBook Pro Line Processors, Graphics and Storagehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_quietly_bumps_macbook_pro_line_processors_graphics_and_storage
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/macbook_pro_2011_two-up_200px.png" alt="MacBook Pro 2011 models" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Chalk one up for the rumor mill yet again: As widely predicted over the last week or so, Apple has slipped a few stealth updates into the MacBook Pro line, including upgraded processors, graphics and storage updates. Here’s a look at what’s news.<br /><br />If you’ve been in the market for a new MacBook Pro, Monday is a great time to buy now that <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook_pro" target="_blank">Apple has quietly kicked up the specs</a> in a mid-cycle refresh. <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2011/10/24/apple-bumps-macbook-pro-with-processor-graphics-storage-upgrades/" target="_blank">According to MacRumors</a>, the updates include juiced-up processors, with many models also receiving refreshed graphics and storage options.<br /><br />For the 13-inch model, the changes include a move from 2.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 and 2.7 GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 to 2.4GHz and 2.8 GHz, respectively. You’ll now also have the choice of a bigger hard drive, with the low-end model up from 320GB to 500GB and the high-end model up from 500GB to 750GB.<br /><br />15-inch MacBook Pro models have received even more changes, with the standard processor ratcheted up from 2.0GHz and 2.2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 to 2.2GHz and 2.4GHz options, while the high-end build-to-order model at 2.3GHz is now a 2.5GHz. The formerly high-end Radeon HD 6750M is now featured on the low-end model (but only with 512MB of memory), with the high-end model now offered as a Radeon HD 6770M with 1GB of RAM. The previous 500GB 7200rpm hard drive available as a build-to-order has also been bumped to 750GB at the same speed.<br /><br />Last but not least, the 17-inch MacBook Pro processor speeds get bumped from the base 2.2GHz Intel Core i7 to 2.4GHz, with the build-to-order model jumping from 2.3GHz to 2.5GHZ, while the graphics card gets kicked up from the AMD Radeon 6750M to the Radeon HD 6770M (still with 1GB memory) and build-to-order buyers now get a 750GB 7200rpm hard drive as an option, up from 500GB previously.<br /><br />All in all, not a huge difference but more speed, better graphics and additional storage space are certainly nothing to sneeze at. Now if we could only unthaw that credit card we put on ice…<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_quietly_bumps_macbook_pro_line_processors_graphics_and_storage#commentsNewsApple Inc.graphicsmacbook proMacBook Prosmid-cycle refreshprocessorsproduct updatesMacMon, 24 Oct 2011 13:20:45 +0000J.R. Bookwalter12691 at http://www.maclife.comRumor: Apple Will Refresh the MacBook Pro This Monthhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/rumor_apple_will_refresh_macbook_pro_month
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/09/13/apple_may_surprise_with_late_2011_macbook_pro_refresh.html" target="_blank">Apple Insider is exclusively reporting</a> that, according to "people with proven insight into Apple's future product plans," the MacBook Pro will get a mild refresh this month. The update is reported to only mildly increase processor speed, and is being pushed out early because Intel will not have their next generation chips ready until the second quarter of 2012.</p><p><img src="/files/u315479/new-mbp.jpg" alt="New MBP" width="620" height="319" /></p><p>If it feels like we just got a MacBook refresh, well, that's because we did. It was&nbsp;<a href="http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2011/02/24Apple-Updates-MacBook-Pro-with-Next-Generation-Processors-Graphics-Thunderbolt-I-O-Technology.html" target="_blank">just this past February</a>&nbsp;when Cupertino released the latest MacBook Pros. Usually, we're stuck waiting for another year before it's time to upgrade, but it may be that Apple's doing it to keep up with the rest of its competitors and take advantage of the holiday buying season.</p><p>This year's MacBook refresh was a real doozy, too, with the inclusion of dual-core Sandy Bridge Core i5 and i7 chips for the 13-inch model and quad-core Sandy Bridge Core i7 chips for the 15- and 17-inch models. And don't forget Thunderbolt, which honestly <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/12_possible_uses_thunderbolt_port" target="_blank">we haven't even gotten used to yet</a>.</p><p>This week, at the Intel Developer's Forum, Intel announced new 2.4GHz, 2.5GHz and 2.7GHz quad-core Core i7 processors, which could replace the 2.0GHz, 2.2GHz and 2.3GHz chips in the current 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros, as well as a 2.8GHz dual-core Core i7, which could replace the current 2.7GHz 13-inch MacBook Pro.</p><p>According to the initial report, there have been no peeps about Apple drawing down inventories of existing MacBook Pros, so perhaps, as AppleInsider suggests, this refresh is only to make sure the MacBook line stays competitive over the holiday shopping season and until Intel releases the next-generation Ivy Bridge chips in late 2012.</p><p>If the rumor does pan out, it does not appear the new MacBook Pros will have any other cosmetic or component updates.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><span style="font-style: normal;"><em>Adrian covers daily news as well as the weekly&nbsp;</em><em><a href="http://www.maclife.com/search/law%20%2526%20Apple" target="_blank">Law &amp; Apple</a></em><em>&nbsp;column for MacLife.com. You can follow him on&nbsp;</em><em><a href="http://www.twitter.com/aphoppel" target="_blank">Twitter</a></em><em>, if you want to.</em></span></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/rumor_apple_will_refresh_macbook_pro_month#commentsNewsMacBook ProsMacBook RefreshRumorMacWed, 14 Sep 2011 18:11:04 +0000Adrian Hoppel12364 at http://www.maclife.com13-Inch MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air: Which One Is Right For You?http://www.maclife.com/article/features/13inch_macbook_pro_vs_macbook_air_which_one_right_you
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/13-inch-specs-side-by-side-620px.jpg" alt="13-inch MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air specs" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Apple has been on quite a tear lately, introducing Intel Sandy Bridge processors and Thunderbolt I/O ports across (almost) all of its computers, including the newly refreshed 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air models introduced last week. But is it the computer of your dreams? We examined the specs against the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro to find out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.apple.com/macbookair/specs.html" target="_blank">Apple’s new MacBook Air models</a> are certainly a tempting choice for on-the-go users who don’t mind sacrificing a little power, speed and storage capacity for the convenience. But with <a href="http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs-13inch.html" target="_blank">a more full-featured 13-inch MacBook Pro</a> starting at $1199, are potential MacBook Air buyers better off going Pro? Let’s take a look at some of the key differences between the two and how they might affect your buying decision.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/files/u220903/13-inch_macbook_pro_specs_620px.jpg" alt="13-inch MacBook Pro specs" width="620" height="300" /></p><h3>Processor Speed</h3><p>The 13-inch MacBook Pro is available in two flavors: 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 or 2.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i7. Either one of those trumps the underpowered 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 used in the 11-inch MacBook Air, or even the 1.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 in the 13-inch model (both Airs are also upgradeable to a 1.8GHz Intel Core i7 on Apple’s website, which only further increases the price while failing to match the speedier MacBook Pro).<br /><strong><br /></strong>The bottom line: If you need to stay portable but have the most raw processing power available, the 13-inch MacBook Pro base model is the clear winner here.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/files/u220903/performance_graphics20110224_620px.png" alt="MacBook Pro side by side" width="620" height="237" /></p><h3>Memory and Storage</h3><p>4GB of RAM comes standard with either 13-inch MacBook Pro configuration, and that amount can be doubled to 8GB in the future should the need arise. By comparison, a base model 11-inch MacBook Air comes stock with only 2GB of RAM (barely enough for modest needs), with the more expensive model kicking things up to 4GB, also standard in the 13-inch model -- but you’d better decide before buying, because there’s no easy way to upgrade the MacBook Air memory later on.<br /><br />There’s also no contest when it comes to storage. The 13-inch MacBook Pro comes with either 320GB or 500GB of hard disk, with solid state drives available as a build-to-order option starting at 128GB for $200 more and hitting the ceiling at a wallet-busting $1200 for 512GB. Meanwhile, the MacBook Air maxes out at 256GB (only available as a build-to-order option on the 11-inch model), and it’s strictly a flash storage only party going on in Air Land.<br /><br />One last tidbit in favor of the MacBook Air’s flash storage is the near instant-on performance, a key advantage when compared to hard drive-based computers that take longer to boot up and resume from sleep mode.</p><p><img src="/files/u220903/macbookair_13inch_psl_closed_620px.jpg" alt="13-inch MacBook Air closed" width="620" height="109" /></p><h3>Size and Weight</h3><p>While the MacBook Air has taken a bit of a beating in our first two categories, things are about to look much better for the little guy when it comes to actually lugging it around and using it. With the 13-inch model weighing a mere 2.96 pounds compared to the same-sized MacBook Pro at 4.5 pounds, there is simply no comparison -- you’ll notice the difference while it’s slung over your shoulder, that’s for sure.<br /><br />Otherwise, the 13-inch models are more evenly matched on dimensions, with the 13-inch MacBook Pro measuring 12.78 inches wide and 0.95 inches deep compared to the same-sized MacBook Air at 12.8 inches wide and 0.68 inches deep when closed. The MacBook Air gains an additional nod in this category for having an even lighter 11-inch model, making it practically the size of a first-generation iPad when closed.</p><p><img src="/files/u220903/macbook_air_duo_angled_620px.jpg" alt="MacBook Air side by side" width="620" height="243" /></p><h3>Display and Graphics</h3><p>With the key specs out of the way, let’s get down to what’s most important: Sitting at the computer of your choice and working with it. Both notebook lines feature the same LED-backlit glossy widescreen displays in numerous supported resolutions, and even share the same Intel HD Graphics 3000 graphics engine within.<br /><br />That means, for all intents and purposes, the displays are pretty evenly matched between the 13-inch MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air models, using 384MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with the main memory for both (256MB on the base 11-inch Air). Both systems also feature dual display and video mirroring capability capable of driving an external display up to 2560 by 1600 pixels through the combo Thunderbolt/Mini DisplayPort I/O port.</p><p><img src="/files/u220903/design_environment20110720_620px.jpg" alt="MacBook Pro lid half open" width="620" height="346" /></p><h3>The MacBook Pro Advantage?</h3><p>Both models of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are otherwise similarly equipped -- they include a pair of USB 2.0 ports (one on each side for the Air), a combo headphone/audio in jack, SD card slot (13-inch models only) and each claims up to seven hours of “wireless web” battery power (the 11-inch Air reduces that to only five hours).<br /><br />Now that the MacBook Air line has reclaimed the backlit keyboard, what’s left to get excited about on the 13-inch MacBook Pro if you’re not a power user? How about an 8x SuperDrive, which will set you back a cool $79 for a similar external model on the MacBook Air models. What’s that, you say? Steve Jobs plans to kill off optical disc drives the same way he did the floppy drive? Well, never mind, then.</p><p><img src="/files/u220903/macbookair_hero_3_launchpad_missioncontrol_print_620px.jpg" alt="MacBook Air twin sizes" width="620" height="232" /></p><h3>Thunderdome: Comparing Prices</h3><p>As with most things in life, it all comes down to what you can afford. At the high end, a stock 13-inch MacBook Air will cost $1599 (and much more if you max it out with build-to-order options), while an equivalent 13-inch MacBook Pro can be had for $100 less. Same screen size, same graphics, but the Pro gets you double the storage and a faster processor at the expense of added weight.<br /><br />On the low-end front, the 11-inch MacBook Air starts at the wallet-friendly price of $999, while the base model 13-inch MacBook Pro looks downright expensive at $200 more (now that Apple has killed off the older-generation white MacBook). However, if you can get by with the smaller display, the $1199 11-inch Air makes a more suitable rival for the stock 13-inch MacBook Pro.<br /><br />While the 13-inch MacBook Pro will likely keep its competitive edge for the foreseeable future when it comes to processing power, storage and memory, the gap between it and the MacBook Air should close by next year, when Apple will likely eliminate the SuperDrive from its notebook line altogether -- and Intel’s future mobile processors are likely to be more evenly matched as well.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/features/13inch_macbook_pro_vs_macbook_air_which_one_right_you#comments11-inch13-inchcomparisondisplayFeaturesmacbook airMacBook ProsPricesprocessorsStorageFeaturesMacTue, 26 Jul 2011 20:45:26 +0000J.R. Bookwalter11820 at http://www.maclife.comThunderbolt Early Notes: Firmware in Cable, Boots From External Diskhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/thunderbolt_early_notes_firmware_cable_boots_external_disk
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/thunderbolt_cable_electronics_200px.jpg" alt="Thunderbolt cable circuitry" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Apple finally unleashed the real potential of Thunderbolt on Wednesday with their own $49 cable as well as RAID storage from Promise, and users have already been putting the technology through its paces to come up with some early anecdotes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.macrumors.com/" target="_blank">MacRumors is reporting</a> on a pair of stories related to Thunderbolt I/O technology on the new MacBook Pro and iMac, now that Apple finally made available their own $49 cable on Wednesday, which debuted alongside four flavors of lightning-fast Promise Pegasus RAID storage starting at $999 for 4TB.<br /><br />First up is the discovery by <a href="http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/06/why-apples-2m-thunderbolt-cable-costs-a-whopping-50.ars" target="_blank">Arstechnica</a> and <a href="http://www.ifixit.com/blog/blog/2011/06/29/what-makes-the-thunderbolt-cable-lightning-fast/" target="_blank">iFixIt</a> that <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2011/06/29/thunderbolt-cable-teardown-reveals-electronics-and-firmware/" target="_blank">Apple’s new $49 Thunderbolt cable actually contains not only small circuitry inside, but also the ability to be flashed with new firmware</a>. Each cable contains a pair of Gennum GN2033 chips inside the connector, but there are a total of 12 chips as well as “tons” of smaller electronics.<br /><br />“A source within the telecom industry explained to Ars that active cables are commonly used at data rates above 5Gbps,” the report reveals. “These cables contain tiny chips at either end that are calibrated to the attenuation and dispersion properties of the wire between them. Compensating for these properties ‘greatly improves the signal-to-noise ratio’ for high-bandwidth data transmission.”<br /><br />Early Thunderbolt benchmarks show huge speed gains over the previous FireWire 800 I/O, and as it turns out, the Thunderbolt ports currently in use on the MacBook Pro and iMac are capable of using optical cables, should they eventually come. “Optical cables were part of the original plans for Thunderbolt which promises to offer much higher speeds,” MacRumors notes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2011/06/29/thunderbolt-supports-booting-from-external-disk/" target="_blank">Finally, it appears that external Thunderbolt disks are also capable of booting a Mac</a>, which was the subject of some early debate in the tech community. Apple themselves have avoid the question in their early support articles, but a number of independent reports confirm that booting over Thunderbolt works, with AnandTech having tested it with one of the new 12TB RAID systems from Promise.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter<br /></a><br />(Image courtesy of MacRumors)</em></p><p><em><br /></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/thunderbolt_early_notes_firmware_cable_boots_external_disk#commentsNewsApple Inc.bootablecableselectronicMacBook ProspromiseRAIDthunderboltMacThu, 30 Jun 2011 12:42:26 +0000J.R. Bookwalter11538 at http://www.maclife.comConsumer Reports Gives Apple Products Top Markshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/consumer_reports_gives_apple_products_top_marks
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u53/screen_shot_2011-05-25_at_2.25.36_pm.png" width="200" height="107" class="graphic-right" />If you've ever wanted to get that Dell guy sitting across from you at the coffee shop to shut up about how superior his Windows notebook is, tell him to consider this: Consumer Reports has rated Apple's MacBook line as the top computer in every laptop category. We're talking about every member of the MacBook family: the 11- and 13-inch MacBook Air, the 13-inch MacBook Pro and the even beefier 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros. All got top honors in their own respective categories. <br /><br />Apple also got the winning prize for the iPad and high honors for the iPhone, though Consumer Reports still won't give the latter its "recommended" rating because of the antenna issue. <br /><br />Regardless, Apple's got top marks all across the board. So if you ever needed to yell "booyah!" to some heckler, you can just show him the Consumer Reports. That'll shut him up.</p><p>Via <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2011/05/25/macbooks-get-highest-score-in-all-consumer-reports-categories/" target="_blank">Tuaw</a></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/consumer_reports_gives_apple_products_top_marks#commentsNewsconsumer reportsMacBook ProsMacBooksMacsiPadiPhoneiPodMacWed, 25 May 2011 21:28:05 +0000Florence Ion11104 at http://www.maclife.comKanex mLinq Promises USB to HDMI, Add a Third Monitor for $99http://www.maclife.com/article/news/kanex_mlinq_promises_usb_hdmi_add_third_monitor_99
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/kanex_mlinq_200px.jpg" alt="Kanex mLinq" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Recent Macs such as the MacBook Pro have no problem adding a second monitor (or even a third with the Thunderbolt iMacs), but what about an HDTV for video playback at up to 1080p? As it turns out, for only $99 you will soon be able to do it from a mild-mannered USB port.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kanexlive.com/mlinq?utm_source=Kanexlive&amp;utm_campaign=17a7d38727-kanex_live_mLinq_5_23_2011&amp;utm_medium=email" target="_blank">Kanex has announced preorders for their new mLinq adapter box</a>, a “premium grade” USB to HDMI audio and video converter offering a cost-effective way to get a second or third HD display for a mere $99. The company claims that the mLinq is a great companion for older Macs without a Mini DisplayPort connector, allowing use of an HD projector, monitor or HDTV.<br /><br />So how does it work? The mLinq requires a one-time software installation, but after that you simply plug the adapter into an available USB port (no word on whether or not it works with USB hubs), plug an HDTV into the available HDMI port and go -- the mLinq doesn’t even require power, since it’s powered via the same USB port and an LED light will show you when it’s in use.<br /><br />The only downside is that the Kanex mLinq is limited to Intel-based Macs -- older models running G5 or older processors are not supported. The adapter claims to have been tested extensively with Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6, and is capable of pushing both audio and video over HDMI -- you’ll have to go to System Preferences &gt; Sound to select the adapter for audio output.<br /><br />No word on when the mLinq will actually start shipping, but <a href="http://www.kanexlive.com/mlinq?utm_source=Kanexlive&amp;utm_campaign=17a7d38727-kanex_live_mLinq_5_23_2011&amp;utm_medium=email" target="_blank">Kanex is accepting preorders for the device right now</a>. The mLinq will also work just fine with Windows 7 and Vista (32 or 64-bit) or the 32-bit version of Windows XP as well.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/kanex_mlinq_promises_usb_hdmi_add_third_monitor_99#commentsNewsadapterhdmihdtviMacIntelKanexMacBook ProsmLinqnew productspreordersusbMacWed, 25 May 2011 13:14:53 +0000J.R. Bookwalter11096 at http://www.maclife.comHP Isn’t Ready to Feel the Power of Thunderbolt Quite Yethttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/hp_isn%E2%80%99t_ready_feel_power_thunderbolt_quite_yet
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/macbook_pro_thunderbolt_200px.jpg" alt="MacBook Pro Thunderbolt port" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Apple may have Thunderbolt fever if its latest MacBook Pro and iMac models are any indication, but that doesn’t mean other PC manufacturers are ready to follow them into the storm. Case in point: Hewlett Packard.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2011/05/17/hewlett-packard-not-convinced-of-the-value-of-thunderbolt/" target="_blank">MacRumors is reporting</a> that Hewlett Packard (better known these days as simply HP) recently weighed the merits of Intel’s new Thunderbolt I/O technology, but decided to sit tight with USB 3.0 for now. <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/227949/hp_picks_usb_30_over_intels_thunderbolt_for_desktops.html" target="_blank">According to PCWorld</a>, the manufacturer doesn’t quite see the value of Thunderbolt for their desktops, presumably since there are zero accessories available to plug into them right now.<br /><br />“We did look at [Thunderbolt]. We’re still looking into it. Haven't found a value proposition yet,” HP’s worldwide marketing manager for desktops, Xavier Lauwaert, told PCWorld.<br /><br />The report claims that “everyone seems to be content with USB 3.0,” so for now HP is sticking with the devil they know -- which could come back to haunt them later on if the Thunderbolt technology really catches fire, since Apple will have a considerable jump on them by that point as the earliest adopter of the technology.<br /><br />Apple introduced Thunderbolt (formerly Light Peak) earlier this year with their latest MacBook Pro models, then carried the technology onto the iMac line this month. A barrage of Thunderbolt peripherals are expected this summer, especially as Intel plans to open up development to third parties this quarter.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em><br /><br /><em>(Image courtesy of MacRumors)</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/hp_isn%E2%80%99t_ready_feel_power_thunderbolt_quite_yet#commentsNewsApple Inc.hewlett packardHPiMacIntellight peakMacBook ProsTechnologythunderboltusbusb 3.0MacTue, 17 May 2011 13:28:36 +0000J.R. Bookwalter10971 at http://www.maclife.comApple Offers Mac OS X, Firmware Updates for New iMacs, MacBook Proshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_offers_mac_os_x_firmware_updates_new_imacs_macbook_pros
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/mac_os_x_10.6.7_for_new_imac_200px.jpg" alt="iMac software update" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Grab one of those fancy new iMacs this week? Or maybe one of the swanky new Thunderbolt-packing MacBook Pros? Thou shalt head to Software Update, my friends, where you will find some shiny new goodness that awaits thee.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.macstories.net/news/apple-posts-10-6-7-update-for-new-imacs-efi-and-macbook-pro-updates/" target="_blank">MacStories.net is reporting</a> that Apple was busy overnight, pushing out software updates for the latest iMac and MacBook Pro models that come packing Intel Sandy Bridge processors and Thunderbolt I/O ports. Read on to discover the tasty goodness that awaits you, or just cut to the chase and fire up Software Update now!<br /><br />First up is <a href="http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1383" target="_blank">Mac OS X 10.6.7 Update for iMac (early 2011) 1.0</a>, a 382.56MB update that offers some new iMac-specific updates, including issues with Back to My Mac, transferring files to certain SMB servers, Mac App Store bugs, FaceTime performance issues and graphics issues. More humorously, the update also promises to “improve Thunderbolt device support” -- ironic considering that no such devices have yet made it to market.<br /><br />There are a couple of firmware updates available as well -- the 6.1MB <a href="http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1380" target="_blank">iMac EFI Update 1.6</a> for the new 2011 iMac, and also the 3.06MB <a href="http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1381" target="_blank">MacBook Pro EFI Update 2.1</a>. Both appear to address some early Thunderbolt issues, while the MacBook Pro update also promises to “resolve an issue with Turbo Mode in Boot Camp.”<br /><br />Finally, the 2011 MacBook Pro is also being offered the <a href="http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1382" target="_blank">MacBook Pro Software Update 1.4</a>, which contains 132.69MB of chewy goodness devoted to graphics stability -- including “issues with external display support and 3D performance,” as well as more of that fine Thunderbolt device support.<br /><br />Now if we could just get our hands on some actual Thunderbolt peripherals to test all these updates out with…<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_offers_mac_os_x_firmware_updates_new_imacs_macbook_pros#commentsNews2011Apple Inc.EFIFirmwareiMacMacBook ProsSoftware UpdatesthunderboltMacThu, 05 May 2011 13:30:04 +0000J.R. Bookwalter10873 at http://www.maclife.comHow To Swap Out RAM in a Unibody MacBook Pro http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_swap_out_ram_unibody_macbook_pro
<!--paging_filter--><p>Got a need for speed? Or perhaps you're just aching for a bit more power? RAM is a cheap solution for giving your Mac a little boost without having to purchase a whole new system. Better yet, it's really easy to install, too, and especially so in a unibody MacBook Pro. <br /><br />Need to do a little tinkering? Follow the gallery to see how easy it is to install your RAM yourself.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_swap_out_ram_unibody_macbook_pro#commentsGalleryMacBook ProsRAMSO-DIMMUnibodyMacHow-TosThu, 14 Apr 2011 23:00:05 +0000Florence Ion10657 at http://www.maclife.com13-inch 2.3GHz Core i5 MacBook Pro Reviewhttp://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/13inch_23ghz_core_i5_macbook_pro_review
<!--paging_filter--><h3>Tons of power for the same price as the 13-inch MacBook Air</h3><p>MacBook Pro refreshes aren’t as predictable as the faithful yearly launches of the iOS devices. They tend to come out of nowhere, like a bolt of lightning—and this one brought a surprising bolt of thunder, too. Yes, the MacBook Pro now sports a Thunderbolt port. Developed by Intel and Apple, it lets you attach external displays with a Mini DisplayPort connector, delivering audio and video. Existing Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI (or VGA, DVI, and DisplayPort) adapters also work. <br /><br />But Thunderbolt isn’t just about displays. It also serves as a direct PCI-Express connection, giving super-fast throughput speeds to desktop drives, video capture devices, and more. Just not today—at press time, no Thunderbolt peripherals were available, though they’re coming soon. <br /><br />Our review unit, the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro ($1,199), features a dual-core 2.3GHz Intel Core i5 processor. (The 15-inch and 17-inch models are available with quad-core Core i7 processors.) HyperThreading runs two threads on each core for four virtual cores total. And TurboBoost 2.0 boosts the active core up to 2.9GHz during processor-heavy work. It feels Road Runner speedy, which isn’t surprising—Apple doesn’t make poky MacBook Pros.</p><p><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/reviews/macbookpro13.jpg" width="620" height="206" /></p><p><strong>Looks the same on the outside, but it’s got thunder inside.</strong><br /><br />The FaceTime camera is upgraded too, letting you make 720p HD FaceTime calls, but only to other brand-new MacBook Pros. If you’re calling any other device, you won’t notice a difference. We didn’t see much difference taking snapshots with Photo Booth—skin tones are still a little off, for example. But you can record 720p video directly into iMovie, great for video blogs. <br /><br />When the MacBook Pro line was refreshed in April 2010, we tested the 15-inch 2.4GHz Core i5, which retailed for $1,799. Those specs aren’t too far from this year’s 13-inch MacBook Pro—our test unit has a 2.3GHz Core i5 with the same 4GB of RAM and 3MB L3 cache. The new, cheaper 13-inch Pro performed better, burning a DVD 6 percent faster, importing photos 30 percent faster, and running Photoshop actions 28 percent faster.<br /><br />We also compared it to the latest 13-inch MacBook Air (1.86GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB of RAM, 6MB L2 cache), in case you’re trying to decide between them—they both cost $1,199, after all. The MacBook Air was bested across the board, with the Pro converting video files 87 percent faster, audio files 89 percent faster, and exporting GarageBand files 63 percent faster.<br /><br />This new 13-inch MacBook Pro features Intel’s HD Graphics 3000 processor with 384MB of shared DDR3 SDRAM. In testing, the MacBook hit just 38.5 frames per second in Call of Duty 4, 10 percent less than the 13-inch Air (which has an Nvidia GeForce 320M GPU with 256MB of shared DDR3 SDRAM), and a whopping 37 percent less than last year’s 15-inch Pro (which has dual graphics chips, including an Nvidia GeForce GT 330M with 256MB of dedicated DDR3 SDRAM). So if you plan to do serious gaming, consider stepping up to a 15-inch or 17-inch model—they both include the Intel HD Graphics 3000 GPU as well as an AMD Radeon HD GPU.<br /><br />Battery life is awesome—another thing we’ve come to expect from Apple. The Pro is rated at 7 hours of wireless productivity, and in our DVD rundown test, it lasted a jaw-dropping 6 hours, 54 minutes. <br /><br /><strong>The bottom line.</strong> The MacBook Pro is a dream laptop, delivering more power than the Air and more bells and whistles too—the FireWire and Ethernet ports the Air lacks completely, plus that fancier FaceTime camera, and our personal favorite, the backlit keyboard. Thunderbolt is cool to have, but not a reason to run out and upgrade today if you have a Mac laptop you’re happy with.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-the-bottom-line"><legend>Review Synopsis</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-product">
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<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Company:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<div class="field-item odd">
Apple </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-contact">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Contact:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://apple.com" target="_blank">apple.com</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-price">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
$1,199 </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-requirements">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>2.3GHz Core i5 processor, 4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM, 3MB shared L3 cache, 320GB SATA hard drive, Intel HD Graphics 3000 graphics processor with 384MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory, 1280x800 glossy 13-inch LED-backlit widescreen display, 2 USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800, Thunderbolt port, SD card slot, HD FaceTime camera, 802.11n AirPort Extreme, Gigabit Ethernet, headphone minijack with support for Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic, stereo speakers with subwoofer, omnidirectional microphone, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-positives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Positives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Speedier processor. Thunderbolt port for a little future proofing. High-def FaceTime camera records 720p video in iMovie. FireWire is still around.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-negatives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Negatives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>At 1440x900, 13-inch MacBook Air has a higher-resolution display. Built-in battery can’t be removed. No matte display option.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
</fieldset>
http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/13inch_23ghz_core_i5_macbook_pro_review#commentsReviewsAppleFaceTimeHardwareIntelmacbook proMacBook ProsNotebookthunderboltFri, 25 Mar 2011 20:37:26 +0000Susie Ochs10444 at http://www.maclife.comReport: Early 2011 MacBook Pros Crashing Under Heavy Workloadhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/report_early_2011_macbook_pros_crashing_under_heavy_workload
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/macbook_pro_2011_two-up_200px.png" alt="MacBook Pro 2011 two-up" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />If you’re the type of power user who pushes their computer to the limits, you might want to pull back just a bit if you own one of the newest MacBook Pro models that Apple released this year -- apparently they’re having issues locking up when the processor load is too much.<br /><a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2011/03/21/2011-macbook-pros-crashing-under-load/" target="_blank"><br />MacRumors is reporting</a> that <a href="http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2768351" target="_blank">Apple’s discussion forums are lighting up</a> with reports that the new 2011 MacBook Pros can’t handle a high processor load, choosing instead to fold like a deck of cards and lock up (or crash) the system. So what exactly does it take for your new MacBook Pro to cry uncle?<br /><br />“Received a new 15" 2.2/6750M MBP last week and have been having some issues with the machine locking up under load,” <a href="http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1120543" target="_blank">MacRumors forum user lithast explains</a>. “For example if I boot up a VM using Fusion the temperature will spike up above 90 degrees and the machine will lock up most of the time. The machine appears locked (cannot move the mouse at all and keyboard is unresponsive). I can SSH into the machine still and it still is running however. This is one example but it will freeze under a number of circumstances where the CPU/GPU load is very high (rendering, DJ Software, compiling so far in my travels).”<br /><br />This is certainly not good news for power users looking to take advantage of the notebook’s superpowers, and while Apple is aware of the issue, MacRumors claims there is “no reliable solution” for the problem at the moment.<br /><br />While MacBook Pro users have speculated that the problem could be related to the notebook’s graphics driver or possibly power management, the only good news is the issue is easily reproduced -- while hopefully means a fix will be on the way soon for beleaguered users.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/report_early_2011_macbook_pros_crashing_under_heavy_workload#commentsNewsApple DiscussionsApple Inc.Bugscrashingmacbook proMacBook ProsnotebookMacMon, 21 Mar 2011 12:30:53 +0000J.R. Bookwalter10371 at http://www.maclife.com